1

Additive Manufacturing Researcher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Design of AM builds to be used for both production and R&D purposes. * Internal/external technical contact for the additive manufacturing process for laser powder bed fusion (LPBF). * Standardize ...

Design of AM builds to be used for both production and R&D purposes. * Internal/external technical contact for the additive manufacturing process for laser powder bed fusion (LPBF). * Standardize ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Additive Manufacturing Researcher information

See salary details

$30K

$113.1K

$164.5K

How much do additive manufacturing researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for additive manufacturing researcher in the United States is $113,102.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,000.00 and $154,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Additive Manufacturing Researcher vs Additive Manufacturing Engineer?

AspectAdditive Manufacturing ResearcherAdditive Manufacturing Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a PhD or master's in engineering, materials science, or related fieldsBachelor's or master's in engineering or related disciplines
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, academic institutions, R&D departmentsManufacturing facilities, design teams, production lines
Primary FocusDeveloping new materials, processes, and innovations in additive manufacturingDesigning, optimizing, and implementing additive manufacturing processes for production
Industry UsageAcademic research, industry R&D, innovation centersManufacturing companies, product development, prototyping

While both roles focus on additive manufacturing, the Additive Manufacturing Researcher primarily conducts research and develops new technologies, often in academic or R&D settings. In contrast, the Additive Manufacturing Engineer applies existing technologies to design and produce parts in manufacturing environments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Additive Manufacturing Researcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Additive Manufacturing Researcher, you need a solid background in materials science, engineering, and 3D printing technologies, typically supported by an advanced degree in a related field. Familiarity with CAD software, simulation tools, and additive manufacturing equipment, along with certifications such as SME Additive Manufacturing Certification, are highly valuable. Strong problem-solving, analytical thinking, and collaboration skills set outstanding candidates apart in this research-driven role. These skills and qualities are essential for driving innovation, optimizing processes, and advancing the field of additive manufacturing.

What are some typical challenges faced by an Additive Manufacturing Researcher when transitioning from prototyping to full-scale production?

Additive Manufacturing Researchers often encounter challenges such as ensuring material consistency, optimizing print parameters for repeatability, and meeting strict quality standards when moving from prototyping to full-scale production. Scaling up requires close collaboration with production engineers and quality assurance teams to adapt research findings into robust manufacturing processes. Addressing these challenges provides valuable experience and can open up opportunities for career advancement into leadership or specialized technical roles.

What are additive manufacturing researchers?

Additive manufacturing researchers are professionals who study and develop new techniques, materials, and processes related to 3D printing and other additive manufacturing technologies. Their work involves experimenting with novel materials, optimizing printing parameters, and improving the efficiency and quality of manufactured parts. They often collaborate with engineers, scientists, and manufacturers to advance the field, solve technical challenges, and apply additive manufacturing to various industries such as aerospace, automotive, and healthcare.
What cities are hiring for Additive Manufacturing Researcher jobs? Cities with the most Additive Manufacturing Researcher job openings:
What states have the most Additive Manufacturing Researcher jobs? States with the most job openings for Additive Manufacturing Researcher jobs include:
Infographic showing various Additive Manufacturing Researcher job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $113,102 per year, or $54.4 per hour.
Additive Manufacturing Scientist

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory rating

9.9

Company rating: 9.9 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

1st of 56 rated research


Job description

Description Are you passionate about leading teams inventing new technologies to track materials synthesis to tackle unique problems? Are you motivated to chart a course for additive manufacturing research that addresses our nation's most pressing challenges? If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL! We are seeking an Additive Manufacturing Scientist to work closely with APL's team of experts to the shape and implement the vision and strategy for APL's AM research. Our team conducts groundbreaking AM research ranging from multiscale modeling and simulation, to performing the underlying science to enable qualification and certification, to development of new sensing and visualization processes to monitor and detect attributes of the AM process and visualize in 3D to enable next generation designs for space, air, land and sea-based applications. As our government sponsors continue to present exciting and urgent national challenges, you will drive idea generation and solution development via research vision, leveraging APL's entire portfolio of innovative research. The team needs a research visionary and champion who can drive toward collaborative solutions for cross-cutting research challenges, partnering with a multidisciplinary team. At APL, we strive to foster a collaborative environment with world-class expertise that achieves groundbreaking impact. Our APL team values integrity and innovative ideas that will ensure our nation's preeminence in the 21st century. As an Additive Manufacturing Scientist you will...
  • Perform pioneering materials and process characterization research driven by mission needs for qualified hardware leveraging state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment.
  • Integrate with the APL's team to increase the impact of an already successful additive manufacturing programs centered on materials discovery, in-situ sensing, multiscale modeling, and qualification science.
  • Contribute to the design and fabrication of operational additively manufactured prototypes which have global impact.
  • Work with APL program managers to identify critical national challenges that can be solved with additive manufacturing.
  • Push the boundaries of manufacturing science to unlock new manufacturing processes which will have a lasting impact on our nation.
  • Present technical work internally and externally. You will communicate daily with project teams and leadership to support programmatic needs.
Qualifications You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...
  • Possess a M.S Degree in Mechanical and or Electrical Engineering, Materials characterization, data science, or a related field.
  • Have 5+ years of demonstrated experience related to manufacturing research, focusing on additive manufacturing.
  • Understand the unique capabilities of additive processing, including complex material properties, stemming from process defects, microstructure and thermodynamic solidification.
  • Experience in generating and interpreting data utilized to enable qualifying AM produced hardware.
  • Have demonstrated experience leading a team to achieve impactful results.
  • Are an excellent communicator, in written and oral formats, and for a variety of audience types including high-level government sponsors.
  • Demonstrated history of authoring proposals and high impact publications.
  • Are willing and able to perform work in a laboratory setting and travel for field testing, sponsor visits, conference attendance, and presentations.
  • Are able to obtain a Secret level security clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.
You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...
  • Possess a P.h.D Degree in Mechanical and or Electrical Engineering, Materials characterization, data science, or a related field
  • Demonstrate experience fielding additively manufactured components using science-based qualification.
  • Have experience developing process models by manipulating key parameters such as power, speed and hatch spacing.
  • Have the capability to reconstruct 3D data including in-situ and post manufacturing data into a 3D format for data processing and visualization.
  • Have experience with machine learning and have demonstrated the ability to make statistical correlations with complex data sets.
  • Have experience with novel in-situ monitoring of additive processes with the ability to customize sensors to improve signal to noise or registration capability.
About Us Why Work at APL? The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates. At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at http://www.jhuapl.edu/careers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact . The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Minimum Rate $105,000 Annually Maximum Rate $290,000 Annually